I’ve drafted a letter to send to my MP. Though I don’t hold out much hope as he hasn’t been particularly responsive so far when I’ve previously contacted him. Any feedback on what I have written will be helpful and appreciated
Dear
I am contacting you about the change in mileage allowance for the Motability scheme from 20k miles per annum to 10k miles and the increase to 25p per mile charge for exceeding the mileage limit. This change unfairly penalises drivers with disabilities on the Motability scheme who rely on their car for hospital and doctor appointments, work, and other essential activities. Many of us are unable to access public transport, for example, there is one bus each way a week where I live, and many disabled customers are unable to use public transport, walk distances, or cycle, so we have no alternative than to use our cars.
!0k miles per annum equates to approximately 192 miles per week or 27 miles per day. The nearest hospital to where I live is 32 miles there and back, and the nearest major town is roughly 28 miles there and back. Others have an even longer journey. The government claims that they want to encourage more of those with disabilities to go to work, and yet this new mileage limit measures being introduced will make it harder for those with disabilities to do so.
The 25p per mile excess mileage charge is a punitive measure which is way above what private lease companies charge.
Many of the customers with disabilities are unable to obtain private loans or leases because of poor credit rating, so have no other choice than to use Motability.
These measures have been brought in without any consultation with any disabled groups or disabled customers.
It seems that people with disabilities are being unfairly penalised for using something that is not a luxury but an essential for them to live any kind of life, to appease the press and its misinformation around the scheme and out of fear of voters turning to other more right leaning parties.
I look forward to your reply.